Rats, mice and rubbish

Rats and mice are common in our towns and in rural areas. They carry disease and can cause considerable damage to property so it is important to control them. One of the easiest ways to prevent them taking up residence near you, is to keep your house and garden tidy and free from rubbish.

Customers in Waveney are also able to obtain a price for the collection of construction waste, DIY waste or house clearances by contacting Waveney Norse.

Rats will also be attracted to your garden for food so if you feed wild birds, make sure you don’t put food directly on the ground and clear up any food the birds haven’t eaten. Don’t put meat or bread on your compost heap, if you have one.

If you keep chickens or ducks it is difficult to keep rats away but if you think you have a problem it is important to act before a large colony establishes itself. Seek professional help to deal with the issue.

What do I do if I have a pest problem?

If you suspect that your property suffers from pests (fleas, rats, wasps, mice, etc.), you should seek advice from a qualified pest control company, details of which can be found in all local directories. The Councils no longer provide any form of pest control service.

If you are a resident of the Waveney District, you may be eligible for rat or mice treatments at a discounted rate. Command Pest Control provide a service subsidised by Waveney District Council in cases where the treatment is for rats on residential premises and where the occupier can provide evidence that they are in receipt of a means-tested benefit. The subsidy amounts to 50% of the cost of the initial treatment for rats. Command Pest Control can be contacted on 01502 770007.

There is no equivalent subsidised arrangement available for residents in the Suffolk Coastal District. We do not recommend any particular contractor for this purpose in the Suffolk Coastal District. Suitable services may be located in the yellow pages or by conducting an internet search

What if I think pests are coming from my neighbour?

It is important, if you suspect an infestation is affecting your property, that all neighbours take action to control the problem as a whole. For further information contact our Private Sector Housing Team.

Hoarding

Hoarding is a complex mental health issue. Unfortunately, in many cases, those experiencing these tendencies are resistant to accept help to organise their homes. Generally, unless the issues directly affect other households, the Council is unable to get involved.

The Council is able to offer minimal support in extreme cases, for example where there is a health issue (e.g. insanitary or dangerous conditions. In those cases we work with other health and care professionals to try and offer support to get a property cleaned or cleared.

Lofty Heights are able to offer a support service to individuals who are struggling to clear their premises of accumulated belongings.